News

What an honour to win in last evenings REINSW Awards for Excellence in the category of Residential Salesperson in Sydney. And to be recognised as the only non-Sydney finalist in the category among these highly regarded peers is a personal and professional highlight.

I think the reason for our results is the fact we are customer centric and that we have proven over a long period of time that service is everything. If you work hard, results always follow. And that is how we do things at First National Newcastle City.

This is the second year in a row I am a finalist and to win it this year, in what I believe is the most prestigious real estate awards in Australia, is a huge honour. This award is as much due to the people who work for First National Newcastle City as it is to do with me. I can always count on their support and they go over and above time and time again.

Some of my observations from talking to colleagues throughout the evening is that the real estate market is set for further growth. And that this will benefit our hometown of Newcastle. You might have seen an article in the Herald over the weekend commenting on what is driving the growth in our city.

2016 has been a blue-ribbon year for property in Newcastle. The suburbs in and around the coastline such as Newcastle East, Bar Beach and Hamilton South have seen phenomenal growth. I have no doubt this is due to the revitalisation of the inner-city.

Enquires from Sydney are up three-fold on last year. This is both due to people being priced out of this metro area, or choosing to migrate to our region for lifestyle purposes. We have a thriving commercial sector here in Newcastle, a world-class University and exceptional schooling for families with children.

What is great to see is that suburbs with proximity to the coastline are enjoying this growth as well. Our suburbs such as Islington and Mayfield are like Paddington and Surry Hills. Centrally located, with thriving café cultures and a short distance to the beach.

This is good news for the Hunter, for new and existing people living in and enjoying our beautiful region. Finally, thank you for welcoming First National Newcastle City in 2016. This award and the fact that Sydney is taking note both with recognition and with new community members ensures we have a vibrant future ahead.